Search Privacy Violations, Breaches and Complaints
This database was last updated in December 2015 ago and should only be used as a historical snapshot. More recent data on breaches affecting 500 or more people is available at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Breach Portal.
VA Southeast Network (VISN 7)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on February 14, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000058350, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Birmingham, AL
Issue:
Today, 2/14/2011, a Birmingham VAMC Social Worker was working on transferring a patient to a nursing home. The social worker incorrectly faxed the patient's information to the wrong nursing home. The social worker immediately contacted the nursing home and identified the incorrect fax and requested the fax be shredded. The social worker is obtaining verification that the fax has been destroyed. The data sent included name, full SSN, DOB, phone #, progress, nursing and pharmacy notes for one day. Social Worker contacted Privacy Officer. Update: 02/15/11:The patient will be offered credit protection services.
Outcome:
Employee has re-taken Privacy and Information Security training. Employee has also been given instructions to ensure the proper fax number prior to faxing by supervisor.Credit monitoring letter has been mailed and a redacted copy is attached.